Michael Arthur Goodman

Michael Arthur Goodman was born in San Jose, California. His parents were Sally and Sam Goodman. Sam was in the Navy so there was a lot of traveling. Michael grew up around his cousins and the Guido Family in and around the Bay Area. Growing up, Michael loved to ride his bike and find adventure with his younger brother Tom and cousins outside. He started his education at St. Christopher’s in Willow Glen, California but when his parents moved, he finished elementary school at Cory, then went on to middle school at Hoover, and graduated high school from Lincoln. Michael’s little sister, Bonnie, arrived and rounded out the Goodman Family. They were overjoyed.

Michael was a great athlete and loved playing football and basketball at Hoover Middle School and Lincoln High School, winning several athletic awards at both schools. After high school, he went on to San Francisco State, and received his teaching credential from Chico State. He was a substitute teacher for about a year before he landed a full time teaching job at Andrew Hill High School in San Jose, California. He not only taught Physical Education, Social Studies and Geography, he was the football and track coach for many years. Michael loved teaching and he loved football. His 30 years at Andrew Hill High was a dream come true. Michael influenced and inspired so many young minds at Andrew Hill High School.

Michael met Mary in 1978 and the love story began. In 1985, they tied the knot next to the Truckee River in Nevada surrounded by family. They were the perfect match. They settled in Willow Glen, California and they enjoyed their life with family and friends. Mike had a 1964 red, Volkswagen, bug and on weekends and during school breaks, he loved taking his Golden Retriever, Bo, to the beach. They were a great team Michael and Bo! Michael and Mary spent many years traveling throughout the USA, Canada, and throughout Italy. Michael loved to travel and he always wanted to go “somewhere. “

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s over two decades ago, Michael was brave and strong. Michael passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 14, 2020.

He is survived by his wife Mary Goodman, brother Thomas Goodman, sister Bonnie Dawes, children; Michael Raia and his wife Clarinda Raia, Julie Raia and her husband Eric Wilson, Christian Raia and his wife Adrianne Raia, grandchildren; Lucinda Leon, Anthony Raia, Joseph Raia, Mary Alice Raia, Scout Wilson, Alexis Raia, and Sadie Raia, great grandchildren; Eugene, Giovanni and Sophia, cousins and friends.

And, finally as a dutiful patriot, Michael Arthur Goodman served in the National Guard.

There will be a Celebration of Life in 2021 and we will keep family and friends posted on the date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Lincoln High School, or Andrew Hill High School.